ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS, XXXV. 
which will effectively and expeditiously heat the body of 
the grain to this temperature, so that the pest will be 
killed and the grain will not be cooked. Most of the 
machines designed for this purpose depend upon the grain 
being heated by hot air, and because of the greater specific 
heat of the grain as compared with air, it has been deter- 
mined that 1,000 gallons of air are necessary to heat up 
one gallon of grain. The machine must, therefore, have a 
large air capacity. Many types of machines have been 
made by various makers within the last few months, and 
the principles underlying their mechanics were illustrated 
by the lecturer with the aid of the lantern. Some, as the 
Robinson machine, are already treating wheat, others are 
in the experimental stage. 
The following notes were contributed :— 
1. ‘‘ Fixation of Nitrogen by Burchner’s Method,” by A. 
R. PENFOLD, F.c.S. Sodium cyanide is obtained by passing 
air through retorts containing briquettes made of iron, 
coke and soda ash.! 
2. “Castor Oil grown in New South Wales,’’ by W. M. 
DOHERTY, F.I.C., F.c.S. Oil of good quality was obtained 
from locally grown plants.’ 
3. **The Production of Potash,”’ by A. EK. STEPHEN, F.C.S. 
Attention was called to the necessity for augmenting our 
supply of potash salts. 
4, ** Power Alcohol,’’ by WM. POOLE, B.E., M. inst.c.H. A 
review of the Report upon Power Alcohol, issued by the 
Advisory Council of the Institute of Science and industry. 
5. ‘Sources of Alcohol,’ by E. J. STATHAM, Assoc. M. Inst. C.E. 
The advantages of the Lower Hawkesbury as a. suitable 
locality for establishing a factory for the production of 
alcohol was emphasised. 
* Fully reported in Australasian Manufacturer, April 27th, 1918. 
* Ibid. April 20th, also Chem. Eng. and Mining Journal, June. 
